Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 12 hrs ago
Black-Winged Kite Makes First Nesting Attempt in the Netherlands
A pair of black-winged kites made the Netherlands’ first recorded breeding attempt in a nature area in Drenthe last September.
Observers saw two or three chicks in the nest, but by September 25 there was no sign of activity.
The nest appears to have failed, possibly because a predator took the chicks, though the cause is unknown.
The species is expanding north from southwestern Europe, and 25 breeding cases were recorded in nearby Lower Saxony in 2026.
Warmer conditions and a large supply of mice may have made the area suitable for the birds.
Researchers expect the increase to continue, but it is not yet clear whether the species will establish itself in the Netherlands.
A black-winged kite made the first recorded nesting attempt in the Netherlands, in a nature area in Drenthe.
Two to three chicks were seen in the nest in September, but the attempt appears to have failed.
The nest was first confirmed on September 9 by bird researcher Cornelis Fokker.
The precise location has not been disclosed to prevent disturbance.
The attempt comes amid a rapid expansion of the species in northwestern Europe.
- Who
- A pair of black-winged kites; bird researcher Cornelis Fokker observed the nest.
- What
- The birds made the first recorded nesting attempt in the Netherlands. The nest appears to have failed.
- When
- September 2026. Chicks were seen on September 22, and no activity was observed on September 25.
- Where
- A nature area in Drenthe, Netherlands. The precise location has not been disclosed.
- Why
- The attempt may be linked to the species’ expansion in northwestern Europe; warm conditions and abundant field mice may have helped. The sources say the cause is uncertain.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A black-winged kite was reported at a nature area in Drenthe.
The bird was still present at the same location.
Cornelis Fokker saw a nest with a brooding black-winged kite.
Two to three chicks were seen in the nest as the parents brought food.
No activity was observed at the nest.
- First recorded nesting attempt
- Netherlands
- Province
- Drenthe
- Chicks seen
- Two to three
- Nest confirmed
- September 9, 2026
- Nearby region
- 25 black-winged kite breeding cases in Lower Saxony in 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
The first breeding case for the Netherlands!
a very nice surprise!